An approach to evidence-based therapeutic apheresis.

This review is derived from a memorial lecture honoring Dr. Francis Morrison, a former President of the American Society For Apheresis (ASFA). The author had numerous professional contacts with Dr. Morrison through ASFA in the early 1990s, having served with him on the Board of Directors and followed him as President, and also came to know him well on a personal level. Professionally, Dr. Morrison stood out as a courtly gentleman with a marvelous baritone voice whose ability to facilitate organization contributed to a growing sense of dignity and purpose in the affairs of the society. On the personal side, however, there wasn't an ounce of pretension in him. He was accessible and down-to-earth; a genuine character with an active and appealing sense of humor. Not surprisingly, he seemed to have a wealth of insight and "common sense," and since the topic of this study is a kind of common sense approach to assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic apheresis, it seems a fitting way to honor his memory. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.